Land (2021): Impactful drama which is lovingly performed!

Land had its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in February, a drama released by Focus Features and I was very intrigued to check it out after the reviews it received. Robin Wright has directed previous episodes of the Netflix political drama House of Cards and this marks her feature film directorial debut. Land is a story of Edee Holzer played by Wright, a woman who is out to start a new life in Wyoming’s Rocky Mountain adjacent to the Shoshone National Forest, after a tragedy. She goes off the grid and has no desire to have a connection with the modern world. No cellphone, car, or internet in this survivalist adventure. 

Wanting to feel isolated is what many of us had to face going on with the mix of the pandemic so it made it perfect timing in honor of the film’s release. 

Her character runs away for a fresh start as a woman who just wants to be alone due to the fact no one can understand her pain. Her character is searching for peace but has trouble finding it as it shares its emotional story of grief. Wright’s performance is absolutely terrific as this film feels like a character study as she portrays the struggles to cope with the loss of those who were close to her. When audiences watch Wright isolated alone in the cabin it is scary. Not knowing the possible dangers of what could happen, and the worst does happen to her where it drives her almost to her death. Yet, her character seems to find herself with the help of a friend. In the supporting role, Demián Bichir as Miguel, a local hunter becomes Edee’s lifesaver and most importantly a friend that is human enough for her to connect. The characters share a very genuine, honest, and warm connection. Bichir is equally as terrific with his performance as you can feel true empathy for their characters.

The screenplay is written by Jesse Chatham and Erin Dignam but does lack its story as it isn’t haunting nor complex. Sometimes it isn’t as emotionally developed and at times even at its most heartbreaking moments. The ending doesn’t seem to come together. However, with the help of Wright, she gives it the confidence it needs to make it a solid watch. The film can be compared to familiar films such as Reese Witherspoon’s 2013 film, Wild. The film does have beautiful location photography as it shows the changing seasons that look like each scene comes out of a National Geographic Magazine by showing the beauty of Mother Nature.

It is visually striking to come from cinematographer, Bobby Bukowski. However, the film doesn’t exactly leave the lasting impression I was hoping it would as there isn’t much passion in the film itself.

 The film runs less than 90 minutes, but it is just enough to explore its subject matter as it does show Wright has a hopeful future for directing feature-length films.